2009 Dodge Caliber and Caliber SRT4

What's new, highlights, and safety info for the 2009 Dodge Caliber.

Dodge replaced the compact Neon sedan with the Caliber hatchback for the 2007 model year. The Caliber would best be described as an alternative approach to the compact-car segment. The seating position is high, the five-door configuration offers cargo-carrying versatility, and there are a number of unique design touches such as a glove-box drink cooler—of dubious functionality—a special center console holder for your cell phone or iPod, and available swing-down tailgate speakers.

All the available engines are inline-fours. SE and SXT models are front-wheel drive and come standard with a 1.8-liter mated to a five-speed manual; a 2.0-liter with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. The Caliber R/T is available with front- or—unusual for this segment—all-wheel drive; the 2.4-liter engine is mated to a five-speed manual in the front-drive version and a CVT in the AWD model.

The boy-racer Caliber SRT4 has a turbocharged engine pushing 285 horsepower through the front wheels. That sounds impressive, but the SRT4 suffers from the same lack of refinement as its brethren, and there’s little joy to be found behind the wheel compared with other budget sports cars such as the Mazdaspeed 3.

Verdict

Move past the gimmicks, and the Caliber disappoints in most categories. The plastic is cheaper than that of most toys, the engine is buzzy, and the ride lacks refinement.

Insulation has been added to the engine compartment and in the floor to help quell interior noise.

Highlights and Recommendations

Do yourself a favor and spring for the Sport Appearance package. This adds color-keyed inserts to the interior and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, both of which vastly improve the ambience inside the car. The MyGIG multimedia system probably isn’t worth the money, especially if you already have a digital audio player such as an iPod. The R/T AWD version of the Caliber takes a hit on fuel economy with 21 city/25 highway EPA ratings, compared with 23/29 for the manual front-wheel-drive R/T, so pass on this option unless you think you really need it.

Safety

Front, curtain, and driver’s-side knee airbags are standard. Front side airbags and stability control are part of the Security Group package. The SRT4 comes with standard stability control, but front side airbags are not available on this model.